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2002

Campmeeting 2002

By Patricia E. Buell

The 131st South Union Campmeeting was held July 26-31, 2002. This year's evangelist was Reverend Buddy Smith, an Ackerman native and son of Marion and Joan Smith of Ackerman. Buddy and his wife, Carol, now reside in the Tupelo area where Buddy works with American Family Association and Carol works as a Special Education teacher in the Lee County School System.

South Union UM Campmeeting is a yearly five day extravaganza of preaching, praying, piano playing, and praising the Lord Jesus Christ. There is also plenty of eating, visiting, reminiscing about past Campmeetings. All denominations were actively involved and came together joyously as Paul talks about in Romans 12:5 "...so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individual members of one another."

South Union historically celebrates worship four times daily. The 8:00 a.m. devotional is led by one of the tenters. (A "tenter" is one who camps or stays in one of the many wooden structures which surround the Tabernacle.) The 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. preaching is led by the guest evangelist. The 3:00 p.m. service is conducted by local pastors of the different denominations in the area. This year's speakers included: Rev. Jerry Lawson, Sister Alies Therese, Rev. Jean Threadgill, and Rev. George Buell. The song leader was Mrs. Rachel Fulce with Madeline Wood playing the keyboard. There were also many guest vocalists during each of the five day events.

Attendants of the Campmeeting ranged in age from 89 years young to 3 months old; both of whom camped (or tented as the saying goes) on the grounds. These "tenters" came from geographical locations from as far as Canada to South Mississippi and many points in between. One first year year participant was overheard to say: "This is as much fun as a Charles Stanley Cruise, only the food is better and it is a lot cheaper!"

South Union United Methodist Church would like to invite anyone who loves the Lord to join us next year. Come "tent" with us and join us for worship.